from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Fulahs \Fu"lahs`\, Foolahs \Foo"lahs`\, Fulani \Fu"la*ni\, n.
pl.; sing. {Fulah}, {Foolah}. (Ethnol.)
A peculiar African race of uncertain origin, but distinct
from the negro tribes, inhabiting an extensive region of
Western Soudan. Their color is brown or yellowish bronze.
They are Mohammedans. Called also {Fellatahs}, {Foulahs}, and
{Fellani}. Fulah and Fulani are also used adjectively; as,
Fulah or Fulani empire, tribes, language.
[1913 Webster]